Vera Pauw, the head coach of the Irish national women’s football team, has chosen a formidable starting lineup for their final World Cup clash against Nigeria, scheduled for this morning at 11 am on RTÉ 2.
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The Girls in Green suffered a setback after a narrow 2-1 defeat to Canada last week.
However, Pauw has made only two changes to the starting lineup from that match.
Heather Payne, who was expected to play as right back in the previous fixture but had to withdraw due to a hamstring injury during the warm-up, is set to return, replacing Aine O’Gorman.
Additionally, Lily Agg will start in midfield, while Lucy Quinn will be on the bench.
Taking charge once again as captain of the Irish team is Katie McCabe, leading the charge in the pursuit of their first points in World Cup history.
Despite being eliminated from Group B, Pauw has chosen to maintain continuity in her lineup rather than make wholesale changes.
The Nigerian team, aware that a victory would secure the top spot, is set to feature Barcelona star Asisat Oshoala, who has returned to full fitness.
She is the sole change in Randy Waldrum’s XI, taking the place of Ifeoma Onumonu.
The starting lineups are as follows:
Ireland: Brosnan; Payne, Fahey, Louise Quinn, Connolly, McCabe (captain); Agg, O’Sullivan, Littlejohn, Farrelly; Carusa.
Nigeria: Nnadozie; Alozie, Ohale, Demehin, Plumptre; Ucheibe, Ayinde; Ajibade, Payne, Kanu; Oshoala.
While Ireland faces the challenge of ending their World Cup campaign on a high note, Nigeria aims to secure a top spot in the group, and even a single point may be sufficient for the Super Falcons if Canada and Australia draw in their respective fixture.
With both teams bringing their best to the pitch, the match promises to be an exciting and intense battle between two determined sides in the quest for World Cup glory.
